International Centre

What to bring with you to Australia

Further information

Tips

Use a strong suitcase with wheels or trolley and a good piece of hand luggage.

Make sure that your baggage does not exceed the airline's limit, as excess luggage charges can be expensive.

Note items to be declared, and pack them separately in a bag so that customs declaration and checking is easier. Failure to declare items can result in a fine.

Security checkpoints in most airports only allow you to carry a limited quantity of liquids in your hand luggage (usually, no greater than 100ml capacity.) You can check this with your airline.

Carry important documents, valuables, some extra clothing and personal items in your hand luggage, but make sure it is small enough to fit in the aircraft’s overhead cabin compartment or under your seat.

Remember to label all your bags with your name and address.

Passive detector dogs

At the airport you may see dogs wearing crimson-coloured jackets and working together with their handler. Please do not be alarmed, and do not pat them. They are working to protect Australian borders.

Useful links

Western Australia has strict customs and quarantine laws which do not allow you to bring a variety of animal, farm and wildlife products into the state.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is responsible for managing Australia’s bio-security system and reducing the risk of pests and diseases arriving in the country. A strong bio-security system helps to protect Australia’s unique environment, agricultural sector and reputation as a safe and reliable trading nation. Before leaving home please check Australian bio-security import conditions and identify any items you cannot bring or send or which you will need to declare at the airport on arrival, for example, certain types of food. Visit the DAFF website for advice on what can be brought in or sent to Australia.

During your flight you will be required to complete an Incoming Passenger Card that asks questions about what you are bringing to Australia and the places you have visited. It is a legal document and a false statement may result in a penalty.

Avoid at all costs drugs, weapons, explosives and other illegal imports, and do not carry other people’s goods or parcels unless you are sure of their contents.

In spring and autumn, jeans with a lightweight jacket or jumper should be sufficient.

Generally, the cost of clothing and footwear in Australia is comparable to western countries but more expensive than Asian countries. However, it is possible to find bargains during sales in the larger stores.

Don’t forget to bring sportswear, swimwear and a hat for summer!

Clothing and personal items to bring

Alarm clock, sewing kit

Bath towel

Bathrobe, pyjamas and home wear clothes

Calculator

Camera

Closed shoes, sport shoes, sandals/other casual footwear

Dictionary (Macquarie and Oxford are used in Australia)

Hair-dryer, shaver (may need adaptor for 240 volts)

Ipod, MP3, CD player

Laptop

Spare pair of spectacles and/or contact lenses and a current prescription

Financial arrangements

You should bring A$4000 to take care of your initial expenses and to cover at least the first month. It is suggested that you bring these funds as:

Cash $1000

Bank draft or travellers cheques $3000

On arrival, open a bank account (if you haven’t already done so) with the $3000.

After a few weeks, you will be able to let your parents (or whoever is sponsoring you) know how much money to send and how often.

Some Australian banks have branches in other countries. If there is a branch in your country, open an account before you leave as this will make financial transactions more convenient once you arrive in Perth.

Duty free concession

If you are aged 18 years or over, you are allowed to bring up to A$900 worth of general goods into Australia duty free. Personal items such as clothing, footwear and toiletries (excluding fur and perfume) are free from duty and tax.

If you intend to bring a new laptop or other electrical goods which are less than 12 months old, you may be liable for customs duty and sales tax on arrival.

Alternatively, you may be required to pay a security deposit, which is refundable when you take the laptop out of the country on your departure.